HOUSE PUSHES FOR APPROVAL STAMP ON PAGCOR POWERS

THE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) must get Congress approval before entering into contracts and grant licenses. House Deputy Speaker Giorgidi Aggabao of Isabela on Monday made this pitch under House Bill No. 4311 which states that Pagcor would need prior approval from Congress before entering into, making, concluding, performing and carrying out contracts of every kind and nature and for any lawful purpose which are necessary, appropriate, proper or incidental to any business or purpose of the Pagcor, including but not limited to investment agreements, whether as principal or as an agent, manpower supply agreements, or any other similar agreements or agreements with any person, firm, association or corporation. The bill also bars Pagcor from granting licenses to casino and gaming club operators. Under existing laws, Pagcor can enter into contracts without Congress’ approval. Likewise, Pagcor has the authority in granting licenses to casino and gaming club operators on top of operating and maintaining casinos. Aggabao claims Pagcor lacked transparency in its actions when it issued a number of licenses to various companies to operate casinos and gaming clubs in different parts of the country, particularly the terms of reference.